Medical and social risk factors for prostate cancer (systematic review)

UDC:

614.2

DOI:

10.21668/health.risk/2026.1.18.eng

Authors:

M.A. Vekilyan^1,2, A.V. Fomina², L.I. Gerasimova¹, V.I. Pak²

Organization:

¹Vinogradov University Clinical Hospital, (branch) of the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia”, 61 Vavilova Str., build. 2, Moscow, 117292, Russian Federation
²Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Str., Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

Abstract:

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in men worldwide. In Russia, this type of cancer ranks second in the structure of male mortality, while the country is in the top 10 in terms of mortality from this disease. Studying the risk factors for PC development is of particular importance for developing effective preventive measures.

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current scientific data on influence of medical and social factors on prostate cancer development and to identify the main determinants of the disease risk.

This study included a systematic review of the scientific literature from leading international and domestic databases. The following databases were used: PubMed/MEDLINE; Scopus; Web of Science; eLibrary; Cochrane Library. This study was based on the results of large population-based and sociohygienic studies that included analysis of data on influence exerted by various factors on prostate cancer development. The search period was 2005–2025. The research methodology is based on a systematic review of scientific literature.

The study identified key risk factors for PC development, including unfavorable dietary habits (excessive consumption of red meat, lack of vegetables); low physical activity; smoking and alcohol abuse; overweight and obesity; exposure to occupational hazards; environmental factors; effects of ionizing radiation.

Most PC cases were established to develop due to combined effects of genetic and environmental factors. The results of various studies demonstrate some inconsistency, indicating the need for further research in the area of prostate cancer prevention. Development of comprehensive measures to reduce the impact of modifiable risk factors is of particular importance. The study results may serve as a basis for improving prevention and early detection programs for prostate cancer as well as for developing targeted measures to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Keywords:

malignant neoplasms, risk factors for cancer development, prostate cancer, prostate cancer incidence, prostate cancer mortality, prevention, early diagnosis

Vekilyan M.A., Fomina A.V., Gerasimova L.I., Pak V.I. Medical and social risk factors for prostate cancer (systematic re-view). Health Risk Analysis, 2026, no. 1, pp. 190–197. DOI: 10.21668/health.risk/2026.1.18.eng

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